CULTURAL groups from across the town joined together in harmony at Warrington and District Arts Council's annual reception last Tuesday.

Members from a range of ethnic societies gathered along with some of the town's leading figures at The Gateway, on Sankey Street, to celebrate Warrington's diversity at the event, now in its third year.

The theme of the evening was 'Living Together Graciously'.

And Mayor Cllr Geoff Settle (LAB –Poulton North) spoke of his determination to make the town display itself as a place where all communities can enjoy living together.

Council leader Terry O'Neill also delivered a speech outlining recent statistics showing Warrington to be one of the most successful in terms of employment, investment, quality of life, communication links, home construction and community cohesion.

Following the shocking attacks in Paris, Cllr Tony Higgins, who is the chairman for building stronger communities, said he was confident residents would continue uniting with one another.

He added: "Terrorists want to divide and frighten people but we in Warrington are determined to build bridges of peace and mutual respect across the whole community.

"From the first event of its kind three years ago I have witnessed stronger ties and a better understanding of different cultural groups in Warrington.

"As someone who is not only the chair of a committee that is responsible for community, but the equalities champion, these events are vital to communicate between many groups who feel isolated and sometimes vulnerable.

"And in the times we live in it's right that these events take place."

John Shipley, from Warrington Civic Society, was on hand to invite people from different communities to help celebrate what is on offer in the town by joining the newly relaunched group.

The international buffet at last week's event, which was donated by the Jane and Stephen Murphy Foundation, provided an opportunity for people across different backgrounds, including Sagheer Zaman, secretary of the Warrington Mosque and Father Armand de Malleray, the new French priest at St Mary's Church, to socialise.

The Village Cafe provided the catering.